Operating Engineer

American University; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

On-site work

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking an Operating Engineer to maintain campus utility systems, including steam and hot water plants, boilers, and chiller systems. The role requires after-hours coverage, 40 hours per week, and weekend work. A DC Steam Engineer license and driving privileges are required.

You will coordinate with facilities teams, supervise shifts, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while optimizing energy efficiency across campus.

Qualifications

• DC 3rd Class Steam Engineer’s license required by date of hire.
• Experience operating campus utility systems and boilers.
• Ability to read technical manuals and blueprints.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair campus steam, hot water, and related systems.
• Handle after-hours and weekend requests and provide shift coverage.
• Train and mentor junior staff and maintain LMS records.
• Ensure energy efficiency and reliability of campus utilities.

Skills

BAS knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Reading blueprints

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Education

DC Steam Engineer’s license (3rd Class)

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

## Operating EngineerApply: Main Campus (Washington, DC): Full time: Posted Today: R4987American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University**Department:**Operating Engineering 2**Time Type:**Full time**Job Type:**Regular**FLSA Status:**Non-Exempt**Work Modality:**Full On Campus Presence**Union:**Excluded**Job Description:****Summary:**The Operating Engineer, under the direction of the Assistant Chief and Lead Operating Engineers, works interdependently to resolve facility issues and customer concerns. Provides support in the operation, maintenance, and repair activities associated with the University's utility systems. Supports the resolution of after-hours and weekend requests. May be required to handle the responsibilities of other Operating Engineers or Assistant Operating Engineers in their absence. Coordinates and reviews the work of others, and trains and mentors new staff members and others as appropriate.**Essential Functions:*** Participates in the operation, maintenance (preventative and predictive), trouble shooting, and repair of campus thermal systems (including but not limited to steam, chilled water, and heating water), related plant equipment, water treatment systems (including but not limited to natatorium systems, boiler systems, and chiller systems) as well as maintenance and repair of domestic water & sewer campus distribution systems, and campus gas utility distribution systems to assure the fitness for use and reliability of our buildings, systems and equipment. Trains Assistant Operating Engineers and FMT as required with regards to the above systems. Operates and maintains systems to meet department, reliability, and energy efficiency objectives along with regulatory compliance requirements.* Maintains records pertaining to the inspection, operation, maintenance and repair of campus utilities systems, and related plant equipment to build a database from which historical data can be used to optimize scheduling and repair of critical components of the heating and cooling systems. Makes recommendations to improve the efficiency and reliability of campus managed utility systems. Responsible for the proper storage and usage of tools and equipment used in the repair operations to ensure the availability of an adequate operating inventory of tools and supplies.* Performs inspections of campus utilities systems, and related plant equipment tests to ensure that boiler and chiller water chemistry is within acceptable limits and maintains proper chemical water treatment through the knowledge and application of approved training provided by the chemical distributor.* Supports in the resolution of afterhours and weekend request received though the customer response center line (2Fix).* Completes approved training and performance requirements to meet department goals as well as regulatory requirements. Maintains an IDP (Individual Development Plan). Ensures all items are documented in the LMS (Learning Management System).**Competencies:*** Championing Customer Needs.* Building and Supporting Teams.* Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.* Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.**Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:*** Full-time.* 40 hours per week.* Evening and weekend work is required. This position will be required to work multiple shifts. Current shift schedules are (7AM to 3PM, 3PM to 11PM, 11PM to 7AM). This is a relief position, 24/7 coverage. The incumbent will be required to work a second consecutive shift should their relief fail to arrive for the next shift. The incumbent is required to work unscheduled shifts as needed.* The position will perform job duties in confined spaces and be exposed to extreme temperatures. This is a physically demanding position which requires strenuous physical exertion such as frequent or constant lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy objects to perform essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.**Salary Range:*** $37.25 - $41.00 per hour.**Required Education and Experience:*** High school diploma or equivalent.* 1 - 3 years of relevant experience working in: A plant having high pressure steam boilers not to exceed four hundred (400) horsepower or a combination of high-pressure boilers and heating boilers or refrigeration equipment, not to exceed a total of four hundred (400) horsepower; A heating plant having low pressure steam boilers with a pump return and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on total capacity; OR A heating plant having hot water boilers and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on total capacity.**Preferred Education and Experience:*** Facilities Management Certificate.* LEED Green Associate Certification.**Additional Eligibility Qualifications:**1.) Required Education & Licenses* 3rd Class DC Steam Engineer’s license (non-restricted) by the date of hire.* Must possess a current and valid United States driver's license at the time of hire and be able to obtain and maintain University driving privileges.2.) Central Plant Operations* Strong working knowledge of and the ability to perform moderately complex technical tasks to support the operation, maintenance, and repair of assigned utility systems and related equipment.* Ability to understand blueprints and moderately complex technical manuals.* Strong working knowledge of the tools, equipment, regulations, and procedures relevant to site-specific systems.* Ability to become proficient in all site-specific systems.3.) Math & Science Knowledge* Knowledge of practical math, percentages, decimals, and fractions, length, area, and volume measurement. Knowledge of and ability to understand fundamental principles related to thermodynamics and basic water chemistry.4.) Building Automation Systems (BAS)* Basic knowledge of BAS and ability to independently resolve routine problems.5.) Decision-Making & Leadership* Receives general supervision.* Ability to independently resolve moderately complex technical problems and serve as a point of escalation for nonroutine problem resolution.* Ability to review one’s own and others’ work to ensure completeness and accuracy, carefully prepare for meetings, and organize information or materials for others.6.) Communication & Interpersonal* Ability to express oneself orally in a clear and concise manner, while seeking and accepting feedback in a non-defensive manner, and providing constructive feedback and instruction to coworkers as appropriate.* Ability to produce accurate and clear written material on topics of moderate complexity that is appropriate to the audience and free of spelling and grammatical errors.* Proactive and demonstrated commitment to treating all individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.7.) Technology Ability* Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint to prepare briefings, reports, and presentations.8.) Physical Requirements* Ability to lift and carry 50lbs.* Ability to climb ladders and work at heights.* Ability to work in confined spaces and areas with temperature extremes.9.) Other Requirements* Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date of hire.* Interest in and commitment to ongoing professional development and training.**Other Duties:*** Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.**Benefits**AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.**Other Details*** Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.* Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.* Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.* American University is an E-Verify employer.